In recent developments within the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), the party’s governors appear to be divided on the issue of whether to retain or remove the Acting National Chairman, Illiya Damagum.
On one side, Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed has called for Damagum’s removal, citing that his tenure is no longer viable.
On the other hand, Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has thrown his full support behind Damagum, emphasizing his commitment to the acting chairman’s leadership.
During a meeting in Bauchi with some members of the PDP’s National Working Committee (NWC), Governor Mohammed argued that the party’s constitution mandates that any leadership vacancy should be filled by a candidate from the region where it originated.
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In this case, Mohammed insists the Northcentral region should fill the current leadership role, which Damagum, hailing from the Northeast, currently holds.
Mohammed further recalled past instances where leadership transitions adhered to this principle, such as the appointment of former Bauchi State Governor Ahmadu Adamu Mu’azu after the resignation of Alhaji Bamanga Tukur.
Reading the communique of his meeting with a faction of the NWC, he said: “My brother from the Northeast is currently serving as Acting National Chairman, which is constitutionally inappropriate.
“According to our party’s constitution, any leadership vacancy should be filled by someone from the region where it originated.
“Northcentral has been eager for this opportunity, and we’ve discussed this issue.
“We are committed to working with the NWC and the party to ensure that the Northcentral is given the chance to assume this responsibility.”
In contrast, Governor Makinde, hosting Damagum and other PDP leaders in Ibadan, expressed his unwavering backing of Damagum, stating that 100% of his support is with the acting chairman.
Makinde urged the party to focus on upcoming elections rather than internal conflicts, stressing the importance of unity within the party during this crucial period.
The Oyo governor said: “I am glad also that our Acting National Chairman and members of his NWC are here.
“I was reading yesterday (Tuesday) that there was another meeting in Bauchi by some NWC members.
“Let me say clearly that I have been discussing with my brother and let me tell you that we are 100 per cent in support of Damagum-led NWC.
“Whatever decision you take, we will support you to reposition our party.
“Let me also say this: I don’t think this is the right time…Even if we have issues within ourselves, we have an important election on Saturday.
“So, we should all just rally around and deliver our candidate.”
Amid these political disagreements, Makinde also reaffirmed his support for the PDP governorship candidate in Edo State, Asue Ighodalo, addressing rumors about his absence at a campaign event.
He explained that prior commitments in Finland and Sweden kept him from attending, but emphasized that he is fully behind Ighodalo’s candidacy.